New Bill Seeks Safer, More Efficient Routes for Logging Trucks
Read About How Legislation Would Let Log Trucks Use Interstates to Avoid Towns and Schools...
The Safe Routes Act is a bipartisan House of Representatives bill to allow log trucks within state weight limits to use the interstate highway system to avoid local roads.
The bill was originally introduced by Congressman Mike Gallagher in April 2023. Tony Wied, a Republican who succeeded Gallagher, joined Representative Jared Golden (D of Maine) in sponsoring the bill in the 2025 session.
The Forest Resources Association and a variety of other forestry and logging associations have endorsed the legislation.
“Log trucks travelling on non-interstate roads have a greater risk of accidents as they encounter two-way traffic, intersections, school zones, pedestrians, and driveways,” the Forest Resource Association asserted, citing a 2023 study at the University of Minnesota in which FRA partnered..
FRA said “Published studies showed that access to an interstate route for a short distance avoided small towns, school districts, and intersections (and) would lower accident rates, reduce CO2 emissions,” along with other economic benefits for small businesses.
"I am proud to introduce this legislation alongside Rep. Golden,” said Representative Wied. “All major timber-producing states have weight limits for logging trucks that are greater than the federal limits for interstate highways. The Safe Routes Act addresses this by allowing trucks that meet state requirements to travel on the interstate for a short time. This bill will improve safety, reduce fuel consumption, and make the transportation of forest products more efficient."